j. mayer h. architects: metropol parasol nearing completion

‘metropol parasol’ construction site image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

summer 2010 marks the opening of ‘metropol parasol’, the redevelopment of plaza de la encarnacíon in seville, designed by j. mayer h. architects. after finishing the concrete works in 2008, the parasols are under construction now. visiting the site at the moment gives an impressive imagination of the final dimension and appearance.

‘metropol parasol’ explores the potential of the plaza de la encarnacion is to become the new contemporary urban centre. its role as a unique urban space within the dense fabric of the medieval inner city of seville allows for a great variety of activities such as memory, leisure and commerce. a highly developed infrastructure helps to activate the square, making it an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.

the ‘metropol parasol’ scheme with its large structures offers an archeological site, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants underneath and inside the parasols, as well as a panorama terrace on the very top of the parasols. realized as an innovative timber-construction with a polyurethan coating, the parasols grow out of the archeological excavation site into a contemporary landmark. the columns become prominent points of access to the museum below as well as to the plaza and panorama deck above, defining a relationship between the historical and the contemporary city.

aerial view of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

‘metropol parasol’ construction site image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

‘metropol parasol’ construction site image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

model of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

model of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

model of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects rendering of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects

rendering of ‘metropol parasol’ image courtesy j. mayer h. architects